What to know:
- Crypto PAC backs Husted in Ohio Senate race, reviving 2024-style industry influence.
- $8M planned spending highlights strong crypto funding push in key Ohio elections.
- Ramaswamy’s stake in Strive raises conflict concerns over the proposed Bitcoin reserve.
Political action with a crypto connection is ramping up in Ohio ahead of the 2026 elections, with a Super PAC endorsement and financial disclosures tied to digital assets shining new light on how the industry’s support might shape key state and federal races.
A pro-crypto political action committee has backed a candidate in the Ohio Senate race. The move represents a return of industry-backed influence in the 2024 election cycle. It re-injects digital asset policy into campaign conversations.
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Crypto PAC Backs Husted as Ohio Senate Race Heats Up
According to Wednesday’s notice, Sentinel Action Fund said it would support Republican Jon Husted. The group is a self-described conservative super PAC supporting pro-crypto candidates. It seeks to promote policies that encourage digital asset innovation.
Husted has been in the Senate since being appointed in January 2025. He was also appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to replace JD Vance. Vance moved to the vice presidency after the 2024 election.
There are races on both sides. A number of Republicans are challenging the May 5 primary. Sherrod Brown and Ron Kincaid are the candidates competing for the Democratic nomination.
Sentinel Action Fund tied its endorsement to differences on policy. Brown was an opponent of innovation in digital assets, the group said. This stance mirrors broader divisions among lawmakers over crypto regulation.
Filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) show no direct spending on Husted to date. But the PAC and its affiliate, Right Vote, intend to spend upwards of $8 million in Ohio. The funding stems from a targeted approach in the state.
The group said it raised roughly $9 million from January 2025 to March 2026. Includes a contribution of $750,000 from the Solana Policy Institute. Another $250,000 came from Multicoin Capital.
This amount of funding is similar to trends in earlier elections. Crypto-funded PACs spent more than $40 million on US races in 2024. Such efforts targeted candidates with opposing views on digital assets.
Crypto Policy Sparks Ohio Race Scrutiny
The race for governor of Ohio is also attracting notice. A Republican candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, has joined the fray. His campaign supports a Bitcoin reserve at the state level.
Ramaswamy began his run in February 2025. The announcement came after he stepped down from a federal position. His policy positions put crypto adoption at the center of his platform.
Recent financial disclosures have raised questions. Ramaswamy owns a 10% stake in Strive, filings show. The firm runs a Bitcoin treasury strategy.
Critics say the potential for conflicts of interest is troubling. This could impact the value of Strive’s holdings. That connection has fed into the larger debate in the race.
As of Wednesday, Strive said it was holding roughly 13,768 Bitcoin. Those holdings are worth more than $1 billion. That exposure has heightened scrutiny on ties to the financial world and policy proposals.
Ohio has become a critical state for crypto political activity. A reflection of industry involvement in Senate and governor races. These changes could influence how digital asset policy is approached in 2026 elections.
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